iLoc Interlocking Method and Hair Tool for Dreadlocks

ABSTRACT

The invention, the iLoc Interlocking Method and Hair Tool for Dreadlocks (the Tool), provides a multi-use hairstyling instrument of particular utility for the grooming of dreadlocks (Locs) and other similar hair styles, for the installation of dreadlocks, for grooming the hairline and for the installation of hair extensions; with a description of the Method for use of said Tool. The basic form of the invention is a narrow, planar body which includes a comb on one distal end, a curvilinear eyelet-shaped loop on the opposite distal end of said planar body, connected by a handle used to grip the Tool; and such Method for use of said Tool.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for hairstyling, specifically to apparatus and methods for grooming dreadlocks (Locs).

Locs, commonly known as dreadlocks, are a hairstyle created from hair that has matted together into rope-like strands. Locs are formed by separating the hair into sections in the scalp, then allowing each section to individually fuse over time. As new hair grows in at the scalp (new-growth), it must be groomed in order to be neatly incorporated into the existing style. This incorporation process is controlled by regular grooming, and is often referred to as Loc Maintenance. Loc Maintenance is the practice of regular grooming for the purpose of incorporating new-growth (hair at the scalp) into the previously locked hair. Other names for the grooming process include retwist, tightening, or refresh.

A variety of methods are employed to form and groom dreadlocks (Locs). Loc grooming methods include palm rolling, comb twisting, locksmithing, crochet and interlocking. The most common maintenance methods are performed by twisting or rolling the new-growth to incorporate said new-growth into the previously formed dreadlock. The interlocking method is useful to extend the time between Loc grooming services while maintaining a neat and tidy appearance.

Loc grooming is often performed manually by twisting or winding, without the use of hair styling tools. However, common tools used for Loc grooming are clips, combs and small, needle-shaped hooks.

Prior Related Art specifically designed for Dreadlocks include the following Patents:

-   1. Palm Roller for Dreadlock Formation, US2180055178A1 by Bianca     Alberti. Comprising a motorized device for the grooming of     dreadlocks. -   2. Dreadlock Comb, WO US20070119471A1 by Bo Svendsen. Comprising a     device with rotating, replaceable teeth used to twist hair into     dreadlock formation. -   3. Device for Maintaining Dreadlocks, US9198493B2 by Cynthia Hall.     Comprising a tubular, motorized device with clamps for the grooming     of dreadlocks. -   4. Apparatus and Methods for Grooming Dreadlocks, US6708699B2 by     Alphonso McGriff, III. Comprising a heated device for smoothing     dreadlocks.

Each of the prior inventions listed above addresses either rolling or twisting dreadlocks as the method of grooming. In view of the above, there is a need, met by the present invention, for a tool to groom dreadlocks using the interlocking method. The present method and invention, the iLoc Interlocking Method and Hair Tool for Dreadlocks, specifically addresses the interlocking method for grooming Locs. The interlocking method is performed by repeatedly looping the locked hair through the loose, newly-grown hair at the scalp (new growth). The iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks combines two commonly used tools, a comb and a loop, for the specific purpose of grooming dreadlocks using the interlocking method.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The advantage of the present invention is to provide more efficiency in grooming Locs by eliminating the need to pick up and put down multiple tools when performing the iLoc Interlocking Method for Loc grooming. The Method provides a sequence of steps to systematically groom Locs. The Tool provides several functions by combining a comb on one distal end and a curvilinear, eyelet-shaped loop on the opposite distal end; employed by the iLoc Interlocking Method, to gently pull the Locs tight to the scalp, creating a neat appearance. The Tool is also useful for other hairstyles, such as installing crochet hair extensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the Tool and Method.

The iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks is a combination tool with several functions. The embodiments of said Tool provide a handheld instrument for the hair featuring a fine-tooth comb on one end (FIG. 1A), and a curved eyelet-shaped loop on the opposite distal end (FIG. 1B), connected by a handle (FIG. 1C). The combination of these two hair implements is designed to simplify the hairstyling process for both professionals and consumers.

The Tool will be produced in a variety of materials and finishes, from plastic to wood and metal, initially by injection molding. The Tool will be produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate different hand sizes of the users, some featuring a smaller or larger comb (FIGS. 2A and 2D). The comb portion is designed to divide the hair into sections at the scalp before styling or performing Loc grooming services (FIG. 4 ).

The Tool will be produced in several varieties, FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C show that the handle/grip will vary in size and shape. FIGS. 2C and 2F display the eyelet-shaped loop feature used to weave a singular dreadlock through the new growth when performing the iLoc Interlocking Method. FIGS. 1C, 2E and FIG. 4 display the handle or grip which is used to alternate the direction in which the Tool is held in order to apply its desired use.

The present invention renders efficiency to the process for grooming Locs by streamlining the iLoc Interlocking Method. The comb feature (FIG. 1A) has several uses. The tiny teeth can be used to smooth and style the hairline. The comb is also useful for defining and creating parts on the scalp for Loc installation. Additionally, the comb portion is used to separate the hair near the scalp before the Interlocking process begins. The small size of the comb allows the user to gently groom one singular, selected dreadlock at a time without disturbing the surrounding dreadlocks.

The loop feature of the iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks (FIG. 1B) is used by holding a single Loc (dreadlock) of hair with one hand, while the other hand uses the loop portion (FIG. 1B) of the tool to create openings in the hair near the scalp of each individual Loc. As the opening is created, the user employs the opposite hand to weave the length of the Loc through the loose hair at the scalp (FIG. 5 ). When this looping process is done repeatedly, the Loc will tighten at the scalp, creating a neat and tidy appearance (FIG. 6 ).

The iLoc Interlocking Method for use of the iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks involves the following steps sequentially:

-   1. Holding the iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool (the Tool) in one hand,     and a singular, isolated Loc in the opposite hand, use said Tool     (FIG. 1A) to part and comb new-growth (FIG. 3 ) of said Loc section     to separate the hair at the scalp from other sections (FIG. 4 ). -   2. Insert the eyelet-shaped loop portion (FIG. 1B) of the Tool into     said new growth near the scalp of said singular, isolated Loc (FIG.     5 ). -   3. Thread the tip of said Loc through the loop (FIG. 5 ) on said     Tool. -   4. Pull said Tool and tip of said Loc in the opposite direction from     which it was inserted, in order to remove it from the hair. -   5. Thread the full length of same said Loc completely through the     loose hair near the scalp. -   6. Continue to tighten said Loc by turning the Tool 90 degrees,     repeating steps 3-6 until there is approximately ¼ inch of loose     hair remaining near the scalp (FIG. 6 ).

The Tool is designed specifically to streamline the iLoc Interlocking Method detailed above. Additional uses for the Tool include installing crochet hair extensions, barber detailing and hairline styling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS (IMAGES)

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed visual presentation.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C display the three-dimensional features of the iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks. TheTool will be produced in a variety of sizes. FIG. 1A displays size small. FIG. 1B displays size medium. FIG. 1C displays size large. Additionally, FIG. 1A displays the comb portion. FIG. 1B displays the eyelet-shaped loop feature. FIG. 1C displays the handle or grip.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C show a two-dimensional drawing of the side view of the iLoc Interlocking Hair Tool for Dreadlocks. FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F show a top view of the Tool. Additionally, FIG. 2C shows that the eyelet-shaped loop curves upward when the tool is laid flat.

FIG. 3 shows new-growth near the scalp.

FIG. 4 shows the Tool being used to comb the new-growth.

FIG. 5 shows the Tool being inserted into the new-growth and the tip of the Loc being threaded through the Tool.

FIG. 6 shows the Loc tightened to the scalp using the Tool and Method. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair grooming tool comprising a. an oblong handle used to grip the tool, b. a plurality of comb teeth on one distal end of said handle, c. a curvilinear segment including a tapered point in opposite distal end of said handle, which includes d. an eyelet-shaped, closed loop on said curvilinear segment of said handle.
 2. Further comprising iterations of the Tool of claim 1 which include variations in materials, length and width.
 3. A hair grooming method, comprising the steps of: a. providing a tool as defined in claim 2, comprising a narrow, planar body which includes a comb on one distal end, a curvilinear eyelet-shaped loop on the opposite distal end of said planar body, connected by a handle; b. using said Tool of claim 2 to comb new-growth of the Loc section to separate the hair at the scalp from other sections; c. inserting the eyelet-shaped loop portion of the Tool into said new-growth; d. manually threading the tip of said Loc through the loop; e. pulling said Tool in the opposite direction from which it was inserted, in order to remove it from the hair; f. manually pulling said Loc completely through said new-growth; g. tightening said Loc by turning the Tool 90 degrees, repeating steps b-f until there is approximately ¼ inch of loose hair remaining near the scalp. 